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Grigor Dimitrov beat Nicolas Jarry in the quarter-finals of the ATP Master 1000 Shanghai, reaching the first semi-final in the ATP Masters 1000 tournaments since Monte Carlo in 2022. The Bulgarian, in the press conference, talked about his positive year, which culminated with the excellent results of the Asian tour and the return to the top 20.
Analyzing the victory against Jarry, in which he committed only three unforced errors, Grigor said: "Being able to return his serve was the key. He is one of the best serving players on the tour. I think I had some opportunities at the beginning of the match, but he neutralized them in an incredible way with the first serve.
He played a very solid tie-break. I was able to stay very calm and take advantage of all the opportunities I had." The number 19 in the ranking said he was enthusiastic about the results obtained so far in tournament appearances on Asian courts.
He explained: "I've been here for a month, exactly a month. I like being in Asia, I like being in China, to be honest, you also kind of have some time for yourself. I can definitely say that this journey for me has been almost spiritual, on many different levels, on and off the court I experienced a number of emotions I had never experienced in my life and this made me grow a lot.
When I go on the court I want to enjoy every single point I play."
Grigor Dimitrov reveals 2023 is one of his best seasons
For the Bulgarian, 2023, in terms of performances, 2023 is probably the best season since 2017: "I think it was one of the best seasons, without a doubt.
Compared to 2017 I was also more consistent, because I believe that this is also the moment in which I feel like I'm building more and learning more about myself, my game and what works for me in general. I have to take care of my body, as best as I can, compared to when I was younger.
Also, mentally, it's very important for me to be rested, aware and focus on the things that really interest me when I come to a tournament." About Andrey Rublev, his next opponent in the Shanghai semifinals, Dimitrov told: "I believe that Andrey is a constant player, year after year.
An extraordinary boy, an extraordinary player. We know that he will compete, we know that he will hit everything that comes his way. I don't think I have enough words to describe it."